Preparing For Death | White & Beige Floral Scrapbook Texture Cross | Arts & Crafts Style | St Irenaeus | Orthodox Christian Long Sleeve ShirtThe business of the Christian is nothing else than to be ever preparing for death. + St Irenaeus of Lyons, Fragments from the Lost Writings of Ireneus

Frighten away my sin

As the only Merciful One

even though death overtake me

a change took place throughout the world

While the martyr prayed

St Theophan the Recluse says

pictured thus by my desire

It is darkness

" since it has a natural beauty and has no need of outer appearance [schema] and adornment

and we must make use of it

The sons of the world believe distraction to be blameless

I will grant him to sit with me on my throne